The Victorian government has released details of a new draft “Gender Equality Bill” this week, detailing coming changes to the public sector that will force departments to introduce radical new policies to meet ‘gender quotas and targets’.

‘FIRST EVER BILL’

The Gender Equality Bill (2018) (download) proposes that Victorian Government departments, the public sector and local governments “achieve gender equality through quotas, action plans and reporting.”

First revealed last month, the bill proposes new obligations on the Victorian public sector to plan and report on ‘gender equality’, and will be progressively implemented on public sector organisations as follows:

All Victorian Government departments

Public sector entities with over 100 full time employees

Local government

According to reports, “international evidence” has demonstrated that when public bodies are compelled to promote gender equality by law, “gender equality improves”. The Gender Equality Bill (2018) will ensure the public sector role models gender equality.

The legislation states that all public sector organisations must develop and report on a ‘Gender Equality Action Plan‘ and sets a 50/50 representation goal ratio:

A synopsis of the proposals. Photo: vic.gov.au

Furthermore, The Office for Women would advise the Minister for Women on the compliance of organisations, who would then be able to name public sector organisations that do not comply with their obligations in her annual report.

“Targets, action plans and reporting need to be enshrined in law. While Victoria does have laws that prevent discrimination based on gender, there is currently no law to proactively progress gender equality.

The evidence is clear: when public bodies are compelled to promote gender equality by law, gender equality improves.”

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